Code of ethics

This document is composed of three (3) main parts:

1. Introduction
2. Key Definitions
3. Ethical Standards

1. Introduction

This Code of Ethics describes the core values of Francois Baudot Coaching Co. Ltd (the “Company”), the ethical principles and standards of behavior expected from its Coaches (see definitions).

This document reproduces the ethical standards and guidelines set by the International Coaching Federation and serves to uphold the integrity of the Coaches of Francois Baudot Coaching Co. Ltd by:

• Setting standards of conduct consistent with the Company’s values and ethical principles.
• Guiding ethical reflection, education and decision-making.

2. Key Definitions

• Client – the individual or team/group being coached.
• Coach – someone who is focused on helping clients define a clear vision for their lives and helping them be the best they can be. They understand the principles of goal setting and how to utilize personal development tools. They help their clients clarify their goals, increase their confidence, improve their self-awareness and identify specific strategies and paths they can take to achieve their life goals.
• Coaching – partnering with Clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
• Coaching Relationship – the relationship established by the Coach and the Client(s)/Sponsor(s) under an agreement or a contract that defines the responsibilities and expectations of each party.
• Code – Francois Baudot Coaching Co. Ltd – Code of Ethics
• Confidentiality – protection of any information obtained around the coaching engagement unless consent to release is given.
• Conflict of Interest – a situation in which an employee of Francois Baudot Coaching Co. Ltd is involved in multiple interests where serving one interest could work against or be in conflict with another. This could be financial, personal or otherwise.
• Equality – a situation in which all people experience inclusion, access to resources and opportunity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, immigration status, mental or physical disability, and other areas of human difference.
• General Terms of Use – a legal agreement between Francois Baudot Coaching Co. Ltd and the users of the service provided by the Company.
• Sponsor – the entity (including its representatives) paying for and/or arranging or defining the coaching services to be provided.

3. Ethical Standards

The following ethical standards are applied to the professional activities of the Coaches employed or sponsored by Francois Baudot Coaching Co. Ltd:

Section I – Responsibility to Clients

As a Coach from Francois Baudot Coaching Co. Ltd, I shall:

1. explain and ensure that, prior to or at the initial meeting, my coaching Client(s) and Sponsor(s) understand the nature and potential value of coaching, the nature and limits of confidentiality, financial arrangements, and any other terms of the coaching agreement.

2. create an agreement / contract regarding the roles, responsibilities and rights of all parties involved with my Client(s) and Sponsor(s) prior to the commencement of services.

3. maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality with all parties as agreed upon. I am aware of and agree to comply with all applicable laws that pertain to personal data and communications.

4. ensure that all information exchanged among the various parties involved is clear and understandable.

5. have a clear understanding with both Clients and Sponsors or interested parties about the conditions under which information will not be kept confidential (e.g., illegal activity, if required by law, pursuant to valid court order, imminent or likely risk of danger to self or to others, etc.). Where I reasonably believe one of the above circumstances is applicable, I may need to inform appropriate authorities.

6. manage existing or potential conflicts of interest with my coaching Client(s) and Sponsor(s) through coaching agreement(s) and ongoing dialogue.

7. maintain or store or dispose of any records, including electronic files and communications, created during my professional interactions in a manner that promotes confidentiality, security and privacy, and complies with any applicable laws and agreements.

8. remain alert to indications that there might be a shift in the value received from the coaching relationship. If so, make a change in the relationship or encourage the Client(s) / Sponsor(s) to seek another coach, seek another professional or use a different resource.

9. be sensitive to the implications of having multiple contracts and relationships with the same Client(s) and Sponsor(s) at the same time in order to avoid conflict of interest situations.

10. assure consistent quality of coaching regardless of the amount or form of agreed compensation in any relationship.

Section II – Responsibility to Practice and Performance

11. recognize my personal limitations or circumstances that may impair, conflict with or interfere with my coaching performance or my professional coaching relationships. I shall reach out for support to determine the action to be taken and, if necessary, promptly seek relevant professional guidance. This may include suspending or terminating my coaching relationship(s).

12. resolve any existing or potential conflict of interest by working through the issue with relevant parties, seeking professional assistance, or suspending temporarily or ending the professional relationship.

Section III – Responsibility to Professionalism

13. identify accurately my coaching qualifications, my level of coaching competency, expertise, experience, training, certifications.

14. make verbal and written statements that are true and accurate about what I offer as a Coach, coaching as a profession and the potential value of coaching.

15. communicate and create awareness with those who need to be informed of the ethical responsibilities established by this Code.

16. hold responsibility for being aware of and setting clear, appropriate and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern interactions, physical or otherwise.

17. not participate in any sexual or romantic engagement with Client(s) or Sponsor(s). I shall be ever mindful of the level of intimacy appropriate for the relationship. I shall take the appropriate action to address the issue or cancel the engagement.

Section IV – Responsibility to Society

18. avoid discrimination by maintaining fairness and equality in all activities and operations, while respecting local rules and cultural practices. This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination on the basis of age, race, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin and disability.

19. recognize and honor the contributions and intellectual property of others, only claiming ownership of my own material. I understand that a breach of this standard may subject me to legal remedy by a third party.

20. be aware of my and my clients’ impact on society. I adhere to the philosophy of “doing good” versus “avoiding bad.”